Andy Strickland terrifies Leafs fans with Auston Matthews prediction

Hide your eyes, Maple Leafs fans! 

As you may know, superstar forward Auston Matthews will be entering the final year of his five year, $$58,201,250 contract next season. But could this be his final go around with the Leafs if they once again fail to do anything significant in the postseason? Don't be surprised, according to NHL Insider Andy Strickland.

In Strickland's mind, it won't be long before he's playing in a new city. 

"Has anyone mentioned, by the way, that Auston Matthews is going to be traded this offseason?” Strickland opined during a recent episode of "The Cam & Strick Podcast". 

"I'm breaking it, because they'd better sign his ass this summer," he continued. "If they don't sign him this summer, they may to move him. In fact, I think they have no choice but to move him if they don't sign him this summer. You gonna lose him for nothing? That is risky, and I don't think he's going to re-sign there."

“If they lose early (in the playoffs), and you’re going to get a boatload — obviously for Matthews — you'd get a shit-ton. But all I'm saying is that you can’t lose him for nothing and you’ll probably have to trade him this summer. Sorry Toronto, I hate to do that to you.”

Let's say that the Maple Leafs once again fail to make it out of the first round of the postseason, which would only further fuel the rumors and whispers that Matthews may be looking for greener pastures. What exactly could Leafs GM Kyle Dubas fetch in return? 

"Like, 20 1st round picks," Strickland joked when asked what they'd be able to get in return. "They're going to have to make him the highest paid player in the game, which he will be. But just like Matthew Tkachuk last season, he steered his way to Florida. Auston is going to be able to do the same thing. Who's going to step up and trade for Auston Matthews this summer?